Serving Our LGBTQIA+ Community

The Massachusetts Medical Society recognizes the importance of equitable representation in the physician workforce to better serve the needs of a diverse patient population. Discrimination, and even violence, based on sexual or gender identity is real. The MMS advocates on behalf of physicians and patients to address the unique health concerns and issues facing the LBGTQIA+ community.

Cultural competency, sexual orientation, gender usage, and implicit bias training is critical when caring for LGBTQIA+ patients. Using proper identity terms, including pronouns, is a crucial way to signal courtesy and acceptance to others and support, especially to those who identify as transgender and nonbinary people. Educating yourself and others is a first step toward diminishing microaggressions, reducing stigma, and building a more inclusive and caring community.

Resources

• Creating A Welcoming Clinical Environment (pdf)
• Worcester Medicine highlights health and wellness for the LGBTQIA+ community (pdf)
  A look inside:
  • Reflections of a Pediatrician Parent of a Transgender Son, by Dr. Carole E. Allen, MMS President, 2021-2022
  • Local and National Resources listed on page 18
• World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH)
• The National LBTQIA+ Health Education Center Creating a Transgender Program (pdf)
• Road Map to LGBTQ+ Mental Health (pdf)

Get Involved: Become an LGBTQIA+ Advocate

What prompted you to get involved in the Committee on LGBTQIA+ Matters?
Being transgender myself I have witnessed firsthand the difficulties both patient and staff that identify as members of our community face and hope to continue to bring attention to these disparities in care and treatment. In addition, like numerous “new” things, many people may not understand the LGBTQ community. I hope to help dispel myths, answer questions, and help those not in the community to become more accepting and understanding. Learn more about membership in the MMS

MMS Advocacy

"The physicians of the Massachusetts Medical Society and The Fenway Institute urge the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to revoke its policy on unnecessary scrutiny and subsequent exclusion of men who have sex with men (MSM) from donating blood - a simple, safe step that will expand a blood supply that is perilously low across all health care settings." Full statement

"The physicians of the Massachusetts Medical Society are deeply troubled and angered by the Texas government’s misguided and discriminatory attacks on the health of transgender children and associated threats against families who love and support their children." Full statement